Tasteful Home Decorhttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog
Home Decor and Garden LivingThu, 16 Jul 2015 18:55:12 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2French Country Home Decorhttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/decorate/french-country-home-decor/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/decorate/french-country-home-decor/#commentsThu, 16 Jul 2015 18:49:19 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4528We keep finding wonderful French country home decor merchandise and falling in love. French cooking, French-country decorating, and the wonderful flavors and fragrances of Provence have brought to life our “Summer in Provence” theme. (We found even more glorious French vintage/farmhouse items on our most recent buying expedition, but they’re not all in yet, so this is just a […]

We keep finding wonderful French country home decor merchandise and falling in love. French cooking, French-country decorating, and the wonderful flavors and fragrances of Provence have brought to life our “Summer in Provence” theme. (We found even more glorious French vintage/farmhouse items on our most recent buying expedition, but they’re not all in yet, so this is just a tease.)

What we do have is great French linens…

Avignon Table Linens

dinnerware in classic neutrals and bright polka dots…

Clos du Manoir Dinnerware

Campagne Sugar Jar

real lavender (and products made from real lavender)…

Lavender Bunches

Lavender Foaming Soap

and glassware from a French glassmaker that’s been in business since the 1400s. Now THAT is enduring style!

Dragonfly Carafe

Have a stroll through the website and bring the French feeling home. Mixing French Farmhouse, French Vintage, and French Rustic creates that great vintage-meets-trendy look we love.

p.s. Sign up for our emails on the right side of this page and we’ll let you know when the new stuff comes in. You’ll fall in love, too.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/decorate/french-country-home-decor/feed/0On Being Freshhttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/uncategorized/on-being-fresh/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/uncategorized/on-being-fresh/#commentsTue, 09 Jun 2015 23:29:43 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4504Back when I was pregnant, I didn’t have many weird food cravings, but I HAD to have fresh food. Frozen meals? No way. Leftovers? Fuggedaboutit. I needed a sandwich from the deli where they carved the meat in front of me. FRESH. As the years have gone by and my children have gotten older, the need for freshness […]

]]>Back when I was pregnant, I didn’t have many weird food cravings, but I HAD to have fresh food. Frozen meals? No way. Leftovers? Fuggedaboutit. I needed a sandwich from the deli where they carved the meat in front of me. FRESH.

As the years have gone by and my children have gotten older, the need for freshness dimmed only slightly, but the need for higher quality food grew and continues to grow. I learned to plant and grow organic vegetables (which was a huge accomplishment considering I used to call myself a “black thumb” – I could kill a silk flower). I started buying meat from the local butcher instead of the chain grocery store. I learned to bake my own bread and even my own croissants! Fresh and homemade became more important as my family grew.

As this website grows and matures, we’re finding the sweet spot where home and garden merge. We’re looking for products that speak to that longing for freshness and authenticity. Tools to help you get the most from your time in the kitchen and useful, beautiful items for the rest of your house that reinforce your need for things that speak to your love of all things fresh.

(Full disclosure: we have faux fruits and vegetables because the real ones don’t look so good after a few days on the counter.)

How have your priorities changed over the years? What are you looking for that you’re having trouble finding? We’d love to hear from you and help you hunt down those special items that will make your home unique.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/uncategorized/on-being-fresh/feed/9Melamine Dinnerware is Back!http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/uncategorized/melamine-dinnerware/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/uncategorized/melamine-dinnerware/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 20:20:25 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4500This is not your Mother’s Melamine Dinnerware… I am sure we all remember the original melamine from our childhoods made in many decorative designs and colors. Our mothers bought them in the 50’s and 60’s so they could be used for outdoor barbeques by kids and adults. (well before the paper plate revolution) The function of […]

I am sure we all remember the original melamine from our childhoods made in many decorative designs and colors. Our mothers bought them in the 50’s and 60’s so they could be used for outdoor barbeques by kids and adults. (well before the paper plate revolution) The function of melamine was a great concept although the styles and designs left something to be desired. Well, the Melamine revolution is back but this time, they can be made to look just like regular stoneware and they are beautiful! The thickness and colors are so close to quality stoneware you would be hard pressed to tell the difference without picking them up. If you have ever loaded a dishwasher with a full set of stoneware, you know why the weight difference is so important! Also, they are as unbreakable as ever. No more throwing away an entire set of dishes because 1 or 2 have chips or cracks.

11.5″ plates and 7.5″ lunch or salad plates

The styles we have available start with this beautiful Medallion set which has two plate sizes available as well as a large tray for serving. You can actually feel the texture in the melamine and the colors are so vibrant. Coming soon we have Tuscan Sun and Coral Sandstone styles with accessories like chip and dip trays and matching serving bowls.

Tritan Stemware, virtually unbreakable!

Also new are Tritan plastic-glassware (I know it is an oxymoron) that is made with a new material that doesn’t get scratched in the dishwasher! Unlike normal acrylic “glasses” these are wine and drink glasses that are clear as glass but have the ability to be washed in the dishwasher without all those horrible scratches. They can also be dropped over and over without breaking. In colors that match the melamine sets, these are also perfect for everyday or fancy barbeque parties outdoors.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/uncategorized/melamine-dinnerware/feed/2Fun Indoor Plant Labelshttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/indoor-plant-labels/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/indoor-plant-labels/#commentsMon, 27 Oct 2014 14:33:08 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4495If you’re not a professional botanist, a knowledgeable gardener, or just someone who is knowledgeable enough to readily identify different kinds of plant life, you might find that labeling your herbs and other indoor plants is very helpful. The home cook would not dream of cooking with an unlabeled spice rack, so why not also […]

]]>If you’re not a professional botanist, a knowledgeable gardener, or just someone who is knowledgeable enough to readily identify different kinds of plant life, you might find that labeling your herbs and other indoor plants is very helpful.

The home cook would not dream of cooking with an unlabeled spice rack, so why not also label your fresh and potted spices so as to avoid using the wrong seasoning? The chance of chopping up parsley and throwing it in your guacamole instead of cilantro, or adding tarragon to your mashed potatoes instead of the sprigs of rosemary that you intended are increased without the presence of convenient and clear labels. (Not that either one of these cooking blunders is necessarily a bad thing, for you may discover a new and delightful dish, but for argument’s sake, let’s assume that you had your heart set on traditional guacamole and non-tarragon potatoes.) So in an attempt to avoid herb confusion, indoor plant labels are a convenient and attractive way to designate your flora.

When choosing which labels to go with, consider using reusable plant labels. Reusable plant labels– where you can erase and re-write the label with chalk or a marker – are obviously perfect for an ever-rotating supply of greenery, especially if you’re trying new kinds of herbs every few weeks. Chalkboard plant labels are cool because all you need to do is erase and re-write, and they have a cute and nostalgic DIY kind of aesthetic. Label holders in stainless steel or sleek wood add a modern, hip look to potted plants, and labels with designs add a pretty touch. It’s important to make sure that your labels are resistant to UV rays and other factors that will contribute to their rapid weathering or damage. Sun-fading is also a concern – plants that are placed in sunlight, like on windowsills, need labels that will not be easily baked off. For this reason, you might upgrade from gluing a piece of paper onto a popsicle stick to something a bit more durable, like a label made from UV-resistant soft rubber or, as mentioned before, chalkboard.

But above all, the best plant label ideas are those that bode well with your design aesthetic, are sturdy, and allow you to read the label clearly. And at a time where there are a multitude of different hostess gifts to choose from, a set of fun plant labelsis most definitely a unique and interesting addition to anyone’s home. Giving the gift of organization and convenience is always appreciated, however simple or specific.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/indoor-plant-labels/feed/0The Perfect Outdoor Candleholdershttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/perfect-outdoor-candleholders/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/perfect-outdoor-candleholders/#commentsFri, 10 Oct 2014 18:48:38 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4489What is it about dining by candlelight that makes a simple al fresco meal more enjoyable? Is it because the glow of light conjures feelings of warmth and coziness? Or do faces bathed in it exude happiness and health? Whatever the reason, dining outside in candlelight incandescence makes any gathering feel more intimate and more […]

]]>What is it about dining by candlelight that makes a simple al fresco meal more enjoyable? Is it because the glow of light conjures feelings of warmth and
coziness? Or do faces bathed in it exude happiness and health? Whatever the reason, dining outside in candlelight incandescence makes any gathering feel more intimate and more special. There are several options for the perfect outdoors candleholder for your table – the popular glass candleholder lantern, traditional candleholders, hanging candleholders, candle logs, candleholder sconces, tea light holders, hurricane vases, and more. Your particular aesthetic, spatial considerations, and the occasion are all factors in what you ultimately choose as your candleholder centerpiece.

A sturdy tabletop lantern, preferably with a handle (perfect for a walk to stretch your legs after dinner), is always a smart choice. A hurricane lantern or vase will keep pesky wind from extinguishing your light source, and a candleholder constructed of colored glass will illuminate your table beautifully.
Look for exotic details such as lanterns with bubbles of colored glass and lanterns with brass and metal wire touches for old world charm, or leather handles and the crisp shape of a glass recycled bottle for a nautical vibe. A glass candleholder in the form of a jelly or Mason jar is nostalgic yet chic.Tea light logs – a decidedly woodsy and somewhat misleading moniker – in a modern candleholder design make lovely centerpieces. Rows of lights, all flickering on their own accord but working in tandem, produce a stunning effect. (A tea light holder made of metal can be placed in your fireplace as an alternative to firewood if the party should move indoors.)

Don’t be afraid to be whimsical. Candleholders in clever shapes, such as animals, interesting geometric configurations, and other objects are festive and interesting.Aside from tabletop candlelight, a hanging
candleholder or a collection of them – perhaps punctuating your outdoor space by hanging on nearby hooks or tree branches – will surround your company like
a protective and inclusive border, creating a feeling of warmth and coziness that is hard to achieve through other methods.

White or ivory votive candles and tea lights are the most classic candle choice, but don’t hesitate to use candles that best reflect a combination of your taste and the mood. A jelly jar lantern or a recycled glass bottle lantern are some of the last vestiges of a time before we traded candlelight for electricity as our principle source of light. Nonetheless, there will always be something soothing and perfect about celebrating life’s moments in the warm presence of candlelight.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/perfect-outdoor-candleholders/feed/0Modern Salt Boxes for Your Modern Homehttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/gifts/modern-salt-boxes-modern-home/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/gifts/modern-salt-boxes-modern-home/#commentsTue, 30 Sep 2014 19:51:03 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4484Foodie and restaurant industry trends come and go, some fading away and some melting into the collective culinary landscape. The non-hamburger slider, small plates, juicing, bacon-flavored everything, truffle oil, farm-to-table, locavorism, the raw food movement, and gastropubs are just some of the most recent fads loved and loathed by many. But one dining trend has […]

]]>Foodie and restaurant industry trends come and go, some fading away and some melting into the collective culinary landscape. The non-hamburger slider, small plates, juicing, bacon-flavored everything, truffle oil, farm-to-table, locavorism, the raw food movement, and gastropubs are just some of the most recent fads loved and loathed by many. But one dining trend has had a bit more of a subtle ingratiation into the culinary consciousness – the salt box, also known as the pinch bowl, salt dish, saltbox holder, or salt container. Much more common on restaurant tables of late, salt containers are replacing traditional salt and pepper shakers. You might have noticed in the last couple of years, and depending on where you live and dine, that among the standard set of dining accoutrement – napkin dispenser, bottle of glass ketchup, single flower in a little glass vase, tea light candle – shakers are nowhere to be found and in their place are small dishes of salt and pepper, sometimes with little spoons gently nestled in.

Though today’s salt boxes are arguably modern in design, salt and pepper were originally kept in box-like containers before salt and pepper shakers became popular for home and public use in the 1920s. For this reason, the salt container harkens back to a simpler time when we didn’t yet rely on the container itself to “conveniently” control the dispensing of its contents. Both salt boxes and salt shakers are fundamentally utilitarian in their most basic forms, and the raw simplicity of a salt container is particularly functional.

For good reason, using salt boxes has become more common in restaurants. Home cooks are also embracing this shift in serveware preference. Though shakers deliver salt and pepper grains in a uniform manner, there is something about plunging a spoon into a sparkling pile of salt crystals, or pinching some salt between your fingers straight from the salt keeper, that is mildly decadent. Rather than rationing, salt boxes allow one to scoop out a healthy heap and sprinkle onto food carte blanche.

And let’s face it – salt makes everything taste better. How often are we eating at a restaurant or among company in our home and don’t allow ourselves to shake out the amount of salt that we truly desire for fear of being salt-shamed? The salt shaker head – with its tiny, restrictive holes – takes too much time dispensing and so inevitably we give it a few flicks of the wrist and shake out how much salt we deem to be appropriate rather than how much we actually crave. We don’t encounter this problem with the free rein sanctioned by the saltbox – and if you take too much, back in the saltbox it goes.

It’s just easier – easier to refill, easier to season your food, and some may argue easier to look at. Salt containers in ceramic, marble, wood, glass, or silver filled with bright white salt, black crackly pepper, or other yummy seasonings look modern, chic, and sharp on a table or countertop. You can even spring for a ceramic salt box with a swivel top or a set of soapstone jars with tops to keep debris out of the pockets.

We don’t have to use utensils or equipment in the kitchen or at the dinner table that create a barrier to the most enjoyable way to prepare and eat food. And while we may feel sentimental for and comfortable with the crush and grind of a salt mill and a pepper grinder, sometimes you just want free rein to spoon out some s & p. It flies in the face of control, which makes it feel indulgent – something that is important when cooking and eating really good food. Salt and pepper shakers are collectible Americana and will always be a part of culinary culture, but there’s certainly room on the table for the uncomplicated, thoroughly modern saltbox.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/gifts/modern-salt-boxes-modern-home/feed/0Users Guide To Herb Scissorshttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/gifts/users-guide-herb-scissors/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/gifts/users-guide-herb-scissors/#commentsTue, 23 Sep 2014 17:00:16 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4479Why Herb Scissors Will Save You Time and Energy in the Kitchen. Chopping stubborn herbs and keeping them from bouncing off of your cutting board is a trying practice that most who cook for themselves at home know well. So what is a fledgling home cook to do without the superior knife skills of a […]

]]>Why Herb Scissors Will Save You Time and Energy in the Kitchen. Chopping stubborn herbs and keeping them from bouncing off of your cutting board is a trying practice that most who cook for themselves at home know well. So what is a fledgling home cook to do without the superior knife skills of a professional chef or culinary school grad? Save time and energy in the kitchen by deferring to a tool that will quickly and perfectly dismantle your herbs – herb scissors.

Wanting to expedite and simplify your process in the kitchen can prove to be difficult without knowing how to properly use a knife. The foregoing of using a knife to cut up somewhat jumpy clumps of herbs – a process that normally necessitates careful attention to detail, acute hand blockage, and general frustration – alleviates the hassle through the use of herb scissors.

Herb scissors are another notorious unitask item that are not always received with the most respect from home cooks and pros. This is because unitask items – kitchen tools that are often unfairly assigned only one function– are thought to be inefficient space-wasters. And while it’s true that you can do a lot in the kitchen with a good chef’s knife, we are not all endowed with the skill or wherewithal to be chopping up things left and right with the same or even similar results. This is when the multi-bladed wonder of a pair of herb scissors is a culinary lifesaver.

Herb scissors – a revved-up version of regular two-blade scissors – allow for quick and uniform snipping of small or large bundles of herbs without the typical knife-and-cutting-board apparatus. Many herb-scissor enthusiasts cut up their herbs right into what they’re cooking, be it salads, soups, dips, or whatever is simmering on the stove or being prepared for the oven. Whether your recipe calls for ribbons, stripes, or minces, herb scissors deliver precise cuts at your discretion.

‘Unitaskness’ is certainly in the eye of the beholder, because for many, herb scissors have other uses. They can be used to remove the herbs from the stalks of hardier, more stubborn plants, like rosemary and thyme. They are also quite handy when breaking down a whole chicken or pieces of a chicken, which normally requires pretty precise knife skills. For anyone who’s ever attempted to break down a chicken in their own home, imagine having the control of cutting with scissors rather than having to precariously balance a knife over the slippery junction of bone, tendon, fat, and skin.

The best herb scissors come with a blade cleaner, as sticky and damp herbs are want to cling to metal blades, and are dishwasher-safe for added convenience. Smart herb scissor reviews almost always advise that a blade cleaner and the ability to withstand the dishwasher make big differences in the overall convenience factor of this tool.
To inspire you to cook with your new herb scissors, below is a recipe for a duo of herb-centric spreads perfect for a cocktail party or dinner party. They are also perfect with a glass of wine and an evening spent curled up on the couch.

Herbed Goat Cheese Bruschetta and Herbed Ricotta Spread
Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze out the juice (you won’t need all of it) into a small bowl.
Dice up half a small shallot.
Whisk together in a bowl a quarter cup of good quality olive oil, 2 tablespoons of the fresh lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and a generous crackling of salt and pepper. Add the shallot. Gather up a small handful of any herb of your choice and chop away to your desired size and thickness. Think dill, parsley, chives, basil, or any herb or combination of herbs that you like.

Scoop out a container of ricotta into another bowl. Take your herb scissors and cut up a healthy amount of flat-leaf parsley, cilantro, chives, tarragon, or, like with the vinaigrette, any herb or combo. Dispense with salt and pepper, and drizzle over some olive oil (an olive oil cruet provides the perfect pour for this kind of job). Slice up a good loaf of crusty French bread or a baguette, give a generous brushing of olive oil, and toast under your oven’s broiler until crispy and golden.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over some of the crispy bread slices, smear on some soft goat cheese, and drizzle over more vinaigrette. Do the same, except substitute the goat cheese for the ricotta, on the other slices. Devour while the bread is still warm.

]]>http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/gifts/users-guide-herb-scissors/feed/0Container Gardeninghttp://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/container-gardening/
http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/garden/container-gardening/#commentsMon, 22 Sep 2014 18:13:43 +0000http://www.tastefulhomedecor.com/blog/?p=4475 Container Gardening With access to the internet and sites like Pinterest, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with ideas and intimidated by the seemingly perfect gardens that are commonly found there. At the same time your yard (or lack thereof) is too small, the weather is too unpredictable, or you just don’t have enough time to […]

Container Gardening

With access to the internet and sites like Pinterest, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with ideas and intimidated by the seemingly perfect gardens that are commonly found there. At the same time your yard (or lack thereof) is too small, the weather is too unpredictable, or you just don’t have enough time to take care of a proper garden. Well, there’s some good news! Gardening doesn’t have to be large scale, perfect, require perfect weather, or need a ton of time. One of the simplest ways to add color and life to your backyard or balcony is to implement containers into your gardening routine.

Whether you’re looking to plant herbs and vegetables or brighten up your space with some colorful flowers, container gardening is very versatile method and can utilize some of the most common place items!

Going Green with your Green Thumb:

From coffee cans and yogurt cups to egg cartons and milk jugs, recycling your containers has never been easier! Many of these items can easily be turned into plant containers. Egg cartons are perfect for starting a large amount of plants to be transplanted later in the season when they outgrow their space. Teach your kids about gardening by having them paint a yogurt container or milk jug and watch their plants grow or use the smaller yogurt containers for a mini herb garden to add a little spice to your dinners. Be creative and don’t be afraid to try nontraditional ideas!

Cook with fresh produce? Take it to a whole other level with this idea!

If your grandparents are anything like mine, then they have four of everything and love giving you the things they don’t use. This has resulted in the unfortunate situation of owing 10 pots, but only really using two to cook with. I ended up donating mine, but if I had seen what this creative gal did with her found cookware! With the new trend of colorful cookware; pots, pans, teapots, or even coffee mugs and teacups can all make great creative containers for succulents or houseplants. Make sure you provide enough room for drainage though; it would be easy to drown your plants otherwise.

Don’t be dull as dirt, get creative!

There are plenty of really creative ideas that can be executed inside and outside of the home. Using rain gutters as planters along the fence, deck railing, or even hanging them seems to be a big fad right now. It’s a great method for keeping spreading produce contained and looks really cool! I’ve seen a bunch of creative ways to garden with containers either in small spaces or large scale!

Containers that can be used for gardening are literally limitless. As long as it can contain a little dirt and handle being a little wet it can be used for planting! Get creative and start looking at those old canisters, shoes, buckets, and dishes in a new light. Who knows? There might be a perfect pot for that plant you’ve been looking to re-home.

article courtesy of:

Mackenzie Kupfer is inspired by things both great and small, whether it’s royal gardens or a shoe-planter. To see more of her writing, check out her twitter.

]]>Whether you are a neophyte or an avid composter, composting in your kitchen is an incredibly useful and environmentally beneficial practice.

Consider your trash can – it’s stuffed throughout the week with food scraps, cooked and leftover food, cardboard, paper towels, dust, coffee filters, tea bags, and other household expendables. What if you could cut down on a significant portion of your household trash, decrease the presence of fruit flies, and eliminate unpleasant odors?

With kitchen composting, all of this is possible.

What is composting?

Composting is the breaking down of food and other organic elements into a nutrient-rich mixture that can be used to enrich soil for gardening. The kitchen composter will find that the simple act of composting – separating compostable items from non-compostable items – is itself an efficient way to cut down on trash and alleviate odor, regardless of whether you have a garden to be benefited from the final product.

What can I put in my kitchen compost?

All fruits and veggies (think scraps, fruit and vegetables that are expired and wasting away in your fridge, and leftovers).

Flour products, like bagels, pasta, crackers, and old pizza crust.

Cooked or uncooked grains

Coffee grounds

Tea bags

Coffee filters

Do you juice? Any residual pulp or leftover juice can go right in the compost.

Spices

Egg shells are the one exception to the no-dairy rule (see below), but make sure that you crush them up first.

The contents of your dustpan.

Cardboard (just make sure that it isn’t coated with wax)

What can’t you put in your kitchen compost? Meat, dairy, and any kind of cooking oil, and that’s about it. Meat and dairy products unfortunately attract maggots, will give off a terrible odor no matter where they are discarded, and alter the quality of the compost. Some composters warn to avoid putting walnuts and walnut shells in your bucket because they contain a toxin that throws off the nutrient balance of the compost. However, many don’t share this opinion so it’s up to you whether or not to save your walnut remnants for the regular trash.

Countertop kitchen composters that are sealed and that also allow oxygen to flow through the compost (usually through vents in the bottom of the container) are the most efficient method for composting in the kitchen because the clean-up is minimal, no odor is emitted into your space, and an attractive compost container looks smart on your countertop. A free flowing of oxygen increases the rate of anaerobic decomposition, which allows the contents of the bin to compost more quickly.

What do I do with the compost once the container is full?

If you, a neighbor, or a friend has a garden, mixing the compost that your kitchen has created into the soil will fortify it with important nutrients. The easiest way to do this is to keep a larger plastic bucket with a sealable lid outside your kitchen door and add your compost to it as needed. Then, with a garden trowel or shovel, dig small pockets of dirt in the soil and add scoops of the compost. (You don’t need to evenly mix your soil and compost – little, nutrient-rich spots throughout the garden will do the trick.)

If you don’t have a garden, check to see if your city has a compost-collection program, or if local nurseries or farms collect compost. Your compost contribution cuts down on unnecessary landfill waste, thus decreasing your ecological footprint, and helps in the growing of flowers, fruits, and veggies in your community. In the micro sense, it makes for a more pleasant kitchen environment and a happier home.